Opioid Epidemic in the United States: Missed Opportunities and Policy Failures

The introduction of OxyContin in the mid-1990s led to the opioid epidemic in the US, which has become a full-blown crisis by 2017. This book examines the origins, development, and rise of the epidemic from the perspective of the public policy process, arguing that the fragmentation of the American political system hinders the ability to address policy problems coherently. It analyzes the factors that contributed to the crisis, the public response, and the role played by opioid manufacturers and tobacco/cigarette manufacturers. The authors conclude with a discussion of how accurate problem definition, diagnosis, and timely responses could have produced a more appropriate and robust policy response.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 358 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The current opioid epidemic in the United States, which began in the mid-1990s with the introduction of OxyContin, a new drug perceived as safer and more effective for chronic pain management, has escalated into a full-blown crisis by 2017. Over two million Americans have become dependent on and abused prescription pain pills and street drugs, leading to devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. This book examines the origins, development, and rise of the opioid epidemic in the United States from the perspective of the public policy process. The authors, political scientists Kant Patel and Mark Rushefsky, argue that the fragmentation of the American political system hinders the ability to coherently address policy problems. They take the opioid epidemic as an example to illustrate this point.

The book begins with a brief historical examination of the history of opioid addiction and crises in the United States and public policy responses to past crises. However, the main focus is on the current national public health emergency. The book analyzes several key aspects of the crisis, including:

The origins of the current crisis: The authors explore the factors that led to the emergence of the opioid epidemic, including changes in healthcare practices, the overprescription of pain medications, and the marketing strategies of pharmaceutical companies.

Indicators and warning signs pointing to the emergence of a significant public problem: The book identifies early warning signs that should have alerted policymakers to the growing problem of opioid addiction. These include increases in prescription drug sales, rising overdose deaths, and the spread of opioid use across different regions of the country.

Factors that contributed to the opioid crisis: The authors examine the various factors that contributed to the crisis, including economic insecurity, social isolation, and the stigma associated with drug addiction. They also discuss the role of pharmaceutical companies in promoting the use of opioids and downplaying their risks.

Why the crisis emerged in the United States and not in other Western countries: The book explores why the opioid epidemic has been particularly severe in the United States compared to other Western countries. The authors argue that factors such as the country's large population, healthcare system, and cultural attitudes towards pain management contribute to this difference.

The nature and scope of the opioid crisis: The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the crisis, including its socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and the human, social, and economic costs associated with it. The authors also discuss the impact of the crisis on public health, the criminal justice system, and the economy.

Presidential administrations' public response, and nonresponse, to the opioid crisis: The book examines the public response of different presidential administrations to the opioid epidemic. The authors argue that some administrations have taken steps, such as increasing funding for addiction treatment and drug prevention programs, while others have failed to address the crisis adequately.

Parallels between the role played by opioid manufacturers and tobacco/cigarette manufacturers in creating the problem of addiction, resulting in high mortality rates, and the need for regulatory oversight: The book draws parallels between the opioid epidemic and the tobacco/cigarette industry, highlighting the similarities in the marketing strategies and the role of regulatory oversight in preventing harm.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the opioid epidemic in the United States. It sheds light on the complex factors that contributed to the crisis and highlights the need for effective public policy responses to address this public health emergency. The authors' analysis provides valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public, and it underscores the importance of collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders to address this pressing issue.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032105215